Sports Editor

McDONOUGH — The Mat Dogs had everything going for them.

Sending 13 wrestlers to the state tournament, Morgan County hoped to improve on their second—place finish two weekends prior with a state championship this past weekend.

But Lady Luck would not be on the Mat Dogs’ side as seven of the wrestlers were eliminated after the first day of action. Even though the Dogs clung to third place Friday’s action, Morgan County had to settle for a sixth—place finish overall when the state individual tournament concluded Saturday.

"It certainly wasn’t the finish that we wanted," Head Coach Tim Stoudenmire said. "But a top 10 finish was a goal of ours this season and we accomplished that. We will just shoot to build on this experience for next year."

Highlighting the weekend was a state championship for Dusty Sidwell, who won by major decision as he wrestled cautiously in the finals at 215 pounds. S.J. Worrell was another Top Dog for the wrestling team as he posted a second—place finish at 145 pounds. In his semi—final match, Worrell was actually losing the match at the end of the match. But as Worrell’s head hung low, Stoudenmire pointed out that his wrestler’s feet were in the circle when he took down his opponent just before the final whistle. The second official of the match agreed as Worrell earned his way to the title match. Worrell lost his championship match 6—5.

"I am really proud of the way these kids finished the season," Stoudenmire said. "Dusty finished a great season in the fashion of a true champion. He has beaten kids all season long from al l classifications. He has been our top wrestler all year."

Other top finishes for the Dogs were Heath Whitten, who finished fifth at 152 pounds, and Robert Glosson, who took fifth at 189 pounds. Tico Cossio rounds out the top finishers with a sixth—place finish at 171 pounds.

Cossio is also one of three seniors that the Mat Dogs will lose this season. Cossio, Whitten and Will Davis all took the mat for the last time for Morgan County last weekend.

"These three wrestlers are certainly going to be missed," Stoudenmire added. "To lose three starters from your starting lineup who contributed so much over the years and they provided so much leadership on the mats this year, they will be sorely missed."